—THIS POINT— NEWSLETTER The Point Richmond History Association www. alkos. com/prha Vol. XVIII No. 5 February/March, 2000 $1.50
a . A;, A “ ■ A'".’- San Francisco Baty Trail Bay Trail History
TRAC (Trails for Richmond Action Committee) is collecting stories and photographs, along with social and natural history information relating to the Bay Trail Route in Richmond. This will be used, now, to create interpretive signs along the trail and may, in the future, become the basis for a Bay Trail curriculum and/or self-guiding tour. What notable locations along Richmond's Bay Trail would you point out to Bay Trail travelers?
If you have any items you wish to share, please sent to (or notify):
Bette Tarr 251 Western Ave. Richmond, CA 9 4 8 0 1 510-233-8188 [email protected]
Photos and other memorabilia will be scanned and returned immediately. Inside this issue
From the President 1 Members 2 Gary’s Column A lot has happened in 100 years. Point A-Mid Trivia Richmond wasn’t even a town yet. The Critchett Hotel was being built with insight of the town’s Church News future. Santa Fe Railroad had already felt its Meeting Report potential here and Standard Oil was then a minor 90 Years Ago commodity, not something to fight a war over. No one was thinking of outer space or even air Westside Library travel. “Online” was where you could find Allan Smith’ Point clothes hanging to dry. Sports Memories Certain people, events, and businesses, made an impact on Point Richmond. We would Cards and Letters like YOUR input with names suggestions as to Deaths who and what these are. How about the Botts Birthdays Flying Machine...or the Walgast-Nelson Fight! Calendar of Events Certainly Rev. David Calfee and Father Scanlon would make the list...Ed Garrard... Dr. Thompson. What about the Hotel Mac...or the old Firehouse and Police Station...Pixar. The Westside Improvement Club? Current events? Submit your nominations...as many as you choose...and why. Let us assess the accomplishments that influenced the quality of life here. Nominations can be sent via the postal route to the Editor or me, or e -m a il [email protected] or [email protected]. Think about it! Then act!
Recent photo o f Winehaven Photo by Gary Shows 1 Museum §tajf Coordinator ©otty Thank you to the following members who have renewed their memberships: ©ornan thanks thszso volunteers Brenda McKinley who staffed the History Building Roberta Jenkins Smith Anita Christiansen Boysie Day Mary Roth Claire M. Lucas Bruce Bartram George LeRoy Williams Virginia Cherniak Ed Gingrich Dody Perry Clara Loux Betty Dornan Myrna Wishart Lee Christian D.R. Edmonds Thank You! Adele (Bruno) Waymire A1 & Helene Frosini Santa Fe Market Mary J. Forbes Special thanks for the new rack Bob! and Mary Valenzano Bena Bowles Point Richmond Louis R. Cunan Market Dean Beesley for their donated distribution of Chester W. Thompson “THIS POINT....in time Theodore W. Beck Jack Elle Louise Hammond Teresa B. Meneghelli Jerome Vloeberghs Sandra & Bruce Beyaert If you can help staff our History Building (2Vz hours per month) call museum Staff And a warm welcome to the following Coordinator Betty Dornan at 232-4317. new members: Dale & Lorna Huffstetter Museum Hours: Bonnie Jo Cullison Thursday 11:30am - 2:00pm Steve & Claudia Spencer Saturday 11:30 - 2:00pm
2 our last TPIT assembly. From the festive Christmas cactus plant to the cookies, cakes, wine, champagne and even champagne glasses that were used to usher in 2000. I am grateful for you thoughtfulness. This issue is a week late so that I could The Deadline for the April/May issue present information about our January 30th of TPIT is Friday March 24, 2000. meeting. I am including pictures, I hope they Thanks to the December/January issue reproduce OK. It was a good meeting, thanks assembly crew: to Bruce Beyaert for his informative Pam Wilson presentation. M id D om an You might notice that unfortunately, for Jerry Cerkanowicz the first time in a while this issue contains no Gary Shows feature memory article. I feel that memories of Betty Doman Point Richmond are one of the most important Liz McDonald services this newsletter can provide, by Sonja Darling recording these memories we record history from a somewhat objective perspective. Mary Highfill Memories of old Point Richmond are also entertaining and interesting. So you older folks, get off you tush and write down those memories, they don’t have to be ancient history and they don’t have to be in perfect literary form, I will clean them up for the newsletter. Your contribution can be a multi issue article or a paragraph that I can combine with other memories. Yet another thank you to Bob and Marie Peckham for allowing us a new rack next to the checkout counter at their Santa Fe Market. Newsletter sales by their store have doubled. The Santa Fe Market and Point Richmond Market both sell TPIT as a free service to our organization, we appreciate the support. Marie Peckham A warm welcome Ellen Schaefer to the Board of the PRHA. Ellen has agreed to The Cover: assume the title as PRHA Treasurer but she and Winhaven, once the world’s biggest her husband Dennis will share the work. winery, taken in 1913. Sincere thank you’s the PRHA Board for the wonderful holiday goodies that appeared at
3 *** A-Mid TRIVIA Jil Kieman, Park Ranger at Miller-Knox -Mid Dornan (510-234-5334) Regional Park, is an asset and credit to the local park not only because of her interest in its care and upkeep but also because of her friendly personality and always-ready-smile. Question: Where was Abraham *** Lincoln’s Gettysburg address given? Answer at end of trivia. As if a national election isn’t enough for any regular year, this year being leap year, the *** politicians and commentators have an extra day to talk about it.. Valentine’s Day has come to be a time to let someone know they’re special - whether Electon day is March 7th. Should you that person is your love, a good friend, parent or special child. It comes at a good time of vote if you’re uninformed? Study the state year, when the world needs to be brightened up ballot and bond initiatives too-propositions 12, a little and what better way than with the reds 13, 14, 22, 25, 26, 28. Learn about your representatives in different offices. and pinks that herald Valentine’s Day to *** counteract the gray skies of winter Has the new millennium, century Romeo Pasquini informs those of us changed your way of life? The past century is that are Astronomy impaired the altitude of the the one that gave this generation gray hair (and North Star (Polaris) in the Northern coloring) HIV/AIDS and gridlock but was the Hemisphere is the same as the latitude in age that gave us environmental consciousness. Richmond which is 37° up. It gave us microwaves, computers, post-it- notes, outer space travel and recyclables. Some people today will be around to welcome We are proud of PIXAR and their 2100 but will have been too young to employees who won the Golden Globe award remember the changing millennium. for best picture TOY STORY II. It was *** especially endearing to hear they correctly While the nation watched to see if that identified PIXAR was in Point Richmond. special groundhog in Pennsylvania would see his shadow and delay spring, the West Contra Costa School District was matching students to spend time in real workplaces, or ‘shadowing’. They got a first-hand look at what a ‘real job’ is like. And to see how the skills they learn in school will be put into action in the workplace. *** Anita Christensen, her son and daughter- in-law and grandchildren welcomed the new millennium on a cruise ship in the Panama
4 Canal. Anita fell victim to a virus and was Edna Hathaway, Hanford, spent heard to say she saw it all on a screen from her Christmas with her son Jeff and wife Sandy in bed. Vacaville but attended church in the Point.
Did anyone else sense a lack of Tom and Shirley Butt have returned from Christmas Spirit in the Point Business District? Arkansas where they visited Tom’s father who What happened to the idea of outlining the tops had been ill. of all the buildings in the triangle with white lights? A few businesses did display lights and These are the top 10 medical advances of decorations like Hotel Mac but credit Dave the 20th century per PBS’s Healthweek: Polio Vincent for the true spirit! Petra’s Hydranga vaccine, organ transplants, birth control pill, X- shop was a fairyland of lights too. Did you see rays and medical imaging, penicillin, insulin, the star topped tree at the end of East psychiatric drugs, treatments for childhood Richmond Avenue? There has been a request cancer, prevention of heart disease and the use for LOTS & LOTS more lights on the triangle of genetics in medicine. tree next year. *** *** Watch your mailbox for 2000 census A representative, Harriot Manley, from forms. The $167 million media blitz has Sunset Magazine has been in our midst. Watch already begun. Forms will be mailed March 15 for the Travel section in the October or and should be in your mailbox by the 19th. November issue. Those who don’t mail back their census forms *** promptly in March will hear about it. And hear Those big, new recycle cans are about it. And hear about it. (P.S. to Pat welcomed for our many recyclables. However, Pearson. Remember how we got 30 a person with so many residences without garages, the in 1960, worked many hours going back to bright blue containers become a poluting houses to get the forms..and still only received eyesore for lack of storage places to hide them. 30 each person.) A less visible color available? Confession may be good for the soul but Concerts at the Point Methodist Church it can be badfor the reputation. with its nearly perfect acoustics, are proving to *** be a popular monthly event for local residents. The first concert was Dan Damon with Lessons and Carols. Eileen Johnson drew a standing ovation after her Soprano concert on Sunday, January 23. Next will be the concert with Kit Eakle, Matt Eakle and John Knox on February 27th.
At my age, I’ve seen it all, done it all, heard it all...I just can’t remember it all. ***
5 THE TELEPHONE: “That’s an amazing back then there weren’t any chronometers invention, but who would ever want to use one of On December 31, 999, there were nc them? President Rutherford Hayes, 7876. watches, no clocks and the sundials didn’ work well at midnight. Point Richmond Business Association President Nick Arrington is spearheading a Abraham Lincoln had a very helpfu drive to make the downtown area more attractive. Put on your work clothes, bring any trait-the ability to laugh at himself. Once tools you have and come down to the center on during a debate with Stephen Douglas the Saturday, April 1st at 9:30 to be a part of the fun. latter accused him of being two-faced (No April Fool!) Lincoln replied, “I leave it to my audience-i1 *** I had two faces, would I be wearing this A father received this letter from his son at one?” college: “Dear Dad, I mi$$ you. Gue$$ what I *** need the mo$t? Plea$e Send it Soon. Love, your Maybe you could learn to earn twice at Son CurtiS ” much as you get. But if you pay income tax, The father got the message and quickly you already earn twice as much as you get. sent this reply. “Dear Curtis, We kNOw you love college. We were talking about you at NOon. Write aNOther letter soon. Goodbye NOw, ROSES ARE RED Love, your Dad. ” HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY *** *** It has been 1000 years since the Answer: It was delivered at the nationa chronometer last rolled over three zeros and cemetery, a horseback mile up the road frorr Gettysburg.
Interesting picture o f the end o f Doman Drive and Brickyard Cove area before the recent development. Photo courtesy o f Harry McDonald
6 Melina is 15 and has played since age 6. She has taken four tests of the British Royal School of Music, achieving marks of distinction. She has played with the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra and toured Europe with them. Joyce Rosenfield is a graduate of Curtis institute of Music and played her New York debut at Carnegie Hall. They are indeed professionals and filled our church with the music played by angels. The Parish directory is in the final stage after most parishioners had their photographs taken by Olin Mills. All who participated in the photograph session will receive a free directory with a complete listing of all parishioners. It was a huge undertaking and required more work then we anticipated, but with the help of Mary and Peter Lespier, it is well on its way to completion. If you are a regular attendee of Sunday Mass, it doesn't take long to figure out that the people who attend Mass regularly tend to Our Lady of Mercy occupy the same seats each Sunday - it's Dee Rosier almost as if they have been assigned these 232-1387 seats. Thus, since the flu season has hit, it was quite evident that the usuals were not in We add another holiday season to our their places. Each Sunday one more returns memory book and look with renewed hope to and before long we will have survived the flu the year 2000. season and all be back in our places. Dwelling into the past, mention need be Let us not forget those in our Parish made to our Christmas Eve musical who are unable to attend Mass on a regular extravaganza which under the direction of basis. Theresa Meneghelli is regaining her Joni and Rod Phillips grows more elaborate health and feeling better. Bernadette Bisio each holiday season. Joni and Rod are attended Mass recently after a lengthy illness. blessed with musical attributes and have a Remember in your prayers my sister, Elaine range of Friends who share their musical Neihouse. abilities. We always look forward to Rod and We start the New Year with the his bagpipes and the excitement they retirement of Father Jim Cliff. Father Jim has generate. This years presentation was been our Pastor since 1988. He was bom in exceptional. Dual harps were played by Chicago and ordained in 1957, and has served Melina Meissner and Joyce Rosenfeld. parishes in Texas, Minnesota, Florida and Illinois. He was assigned to the Oakland
7 Diocese in 1965 and was a Navy Chaplain. He was at St. Cornelius before taking over at our church. In the years that he has spent at Our Lady of Mercy he has overseen the refurbishing of the Parish that involved everything from the kneelers to the windows. Every weekend Father Jim has written a church bulletin with reflective words on the Gospel and items of interest going on within the Parish. During his 12 years as Pastor he has written 500 bulletins, which is where I draw most of my material for these articles - I now have to seek a new source or attempt to become as creative as Father Jim. On Sunday, January 23, 2000, Father Jim celebrated his last Mass as Pastor at Our Lady of Mercy. He was joined in celebration of the Point Richmond Methodist Mass by Father Tony Valdavia and Father Paul Jean Reynolds Devine. On a very rainy afternoon many past 235-2988 and present Parishioners and friends attended a farewell retirement reception held in the church Shelby Meixell was baptized on January hall. We will miss Father Jim and his Sunday 23, in the presence of her parents Matt and bulletins and wish him a lengthy, healthy Elizabeth Meixell, her sister Samantha Meixell, retirement as he begins the latest chapter in his her paternal grandparents, Darlene and Roger life at Bishop Begin Villa in Oakland. Isenberg from Minnesota, her Aunt Janie A new Eucharistic Ministers schedule is Atchley from Missouri, Hank and Paula in preparation. We have some new volunteers! Scarpelli, and a congregation of extended It's a boy for the Rosier family - Griffin family. Shelby enjoyed the event thoroughly Lonergan Knee was bom on January 26, 2000, and finally got a chance to see what Pastor and is the first child of Renee and Kevin Knee. Dan’s beard felt like. Needless to say, as the Grandmother, it's a great Richmond First United Methodist Church way to start the year. (alias Point Methodist) is celebrating its 2000 is here - only you can determine Centennial this year, and there are various signs how good a year it will be! of the on-going celebration. Marian Hawkins See you in church visited the Youth Sunday school class on January 23 to share with students some of her memories of growing up as a member of the church. One of her earliest memories included the palm tree in the garden and an Easter egg hunt. Each Sunday we have a “Centennial Minute” for a member of the congregation to share a bit about their history at the church, or about a past church family. The Centennial
8 Concert series promises a Sunday evening as needed. concert at least every other month, and our Our congregation sent a candle to the official Centennial celebration will be in open hearings held in Fairfield February 1-3 October. regarding the “Sacramento 68” pastors who The Monday night book study group is officiated at a Holy Union service for two still going strong, and the current discussion women of our conference, Jeanne Barnett and book is Desire o f the Everlasting Hills, The Ellie Charleton, in January 1999. The pastors World before and after Jesus, by Thomas acted boldly to protest an ever-more-strict Cahill. This group has met regularly for the last church constraint on how pastors may minister four years and has read quite a variety of books. to their parishioners. They may face trials Point Richmond businessman Tom through the church judicial process based on McGowan will be alternately honored and the decision of the judiciary panel at the teased as our “Sweetheart of the Year” at a hearings. dinner on February 10, 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., at the Richmond Golf and Country Club. Up-coming events: Tickets cost $25. Call Fran Smith to reserve yours at (510) 222-2999. Tom helped organize A concert Sunday, February 27, at 5:00 p. the Many Hands Project at Washington School m.; a jazz quartet featuring Matt Eakle on flute, and continues to work to encourage community Kit Eakle on violin, John Knox on keyboards. involvement in the school and increased Suggested donation, $10. educational opportunities for the students at the school. He has been a friend of our church in Centennial Concert Series: March 26, the community, too, and helped us several Sunday, 5:00 p.m. Gill and Tammara Stanfield times when we were raising funds for our new and friends sing “The Best of Broadway.” roof. Suggested donation $10. We collected enough money during our “Blanket” campaign in December to purchase sixty-six blankets for Church World Service. We had a blanket fashion show, talked about how buying a blanket is like sending a hug to someone who needs it, and acted out the Christmas story with blankets as key players. They were used to be a saddle on the donkey Mary rode, to cover the straw in the stable, to wrap baby Jesus, and as a gift from the shepherds. We celebrated Souper-Bowl Sunday along with congregations of many faiths across the country, by collecting cans of soup and dollar bills to be used to feed hungry people. The money collected will go the Souper Center in Richmond, and the food will be distributed
9 Point Methodist TOM MCGOWAN Church History -Mid Doman MAN OF THE MILLENNIUM
Church history is rich with contributions By the time this issue arrives, it will may of women. One church group in the 1920 s be too late to make reservations for Tom was the SOCIAL LEAGUE of the first McGowan's 'Man of the Millennium' aka Methodist Episcopal Church whose history is 'Sweetheart of the Year' recognition and award reflected in their minutes printed below and dinner on Thursday, February 10, 6:30 p.m. at taken from the canvas covered, red leather the Richmond Golf and Country Club, 1 cornered notebook which cost $1.15. The Markowich Lane, Richmond. minutes are printed as written. This is the Tom is being recognized for his many 42nd installment. years of community service and for his special contribution to the Many Hands Project at January Feb 2nd, 1926 Washington School. And, for being a nice Social League met in the Parlors of the guy!! Nice guy? The dinner will tell. There Church with Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Lyder as are some stories about Tom that have never Hostesses. been told before! Dinner tickets are $25 and It was moved, seconded and carried that proceeds will benefit the historic Point we go over members list and revise it. Moved, Methodist Church which is preparing for their 2nd and carried to have table clothes centennial in October. hemstitched. Contact Fran Smith at (510) 222-2999 or There was a balance of 2.35 from mens send checks to 2574 Sheldon Drive, Richmond, dinner. CA 94803. Mid It was decided that a food sale be held on Feb 20th.
tea fund .60 CAMP FIRE GIRLS balance from men dinner 2.35 REUNION 2.95 Former Camp Fire Girls and Leaders 40.08 are invited to a Camp Fire Reunion on 43.03 Saturday, February 19th at the First Methodist Church 11:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m. paid to Fenner for garbage cans 2.50 People are requested to bring a brown bag Mrs. Dicely for table cloths 12.63 Park Florists 4.50 lunch, coffee will be supplied. Also bring $19.63 pictures, scrapbooks, memories and stories. The church is the site of the first Camp Fire 43.03 Group in Richmond and is located at 201 19.63 Martina Street in the Point. A member and 23.90 balance teacher, Nina Moody, was the first leader. 10 PRHA General Meeting Report
compiled by Gary Shows When I realized that we had scheduled Greenway. 4). Coordinate with others to this meeting opposite the Super Bowl, my first promote pedestrian and bicycle access on the thought was that we had made a big mistake. I Richmond/San Rafael Bridge. was wrong, we had a nice sized crowd, 28 folks Thanks to Mary, Liz, Sonja and Mid for that experienced a good, interesting and the cookies and refreshments. And thanks also informative meeting. The meeting was held at to Mother Nature for giving us a beautiful 2:00 pm at the Point Methodist Church, window between rain storms. Martina and West Richmond Streets. For a lot more information about the San Our guest speaker was Bruce Beyaert Francisco Bay Trail log on the website http:// who is Chairman of the Trails for Richmond www.abag.org/bayarea/baytrail/. Or you can Action Committee for the San Francisco Bay call Bruce at 510-235-2835 or Vice Chairs Lyle Trail (TRAC). The mission of his committee is Fisher at 510-236-2434 and Bette Tarr at 510 to complete the San Francisco Bay Trail in 233-8188. Richmond, assuring that it is linked to public parks and population centers, and that it is maintained into perpetuity. He explained that his committee’s purpose is to promote and coordinate the progress of the Bay Trail through Richmond. We learned that the standard for the Bay Trail is a ten foot wide path that is paved and has a stripe for a bike lane. We were given maps of the progress to date showing completed sections as well as proposed paths. The committee’s goals for the path are: 1) Complete Richmond’s Bay Trail in 2000 on the west shore from Marina Bay to Point Molate Beach Park, between Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline and Wildcat Creek, on the north shore from Wildcat Creek to Point Pinole Regional Shoreline. 2). Extend the Bay Trail to the Point San Pablo Yacht Harbor concurrent with development of a regional park along the shore of Point Molate Naval Fuel Depot. 3). Link the Bay Trail with the Central Richmond Bruce Beyaert 11 12
-OB? **■* * P?S*-s Mary Crosby and Crosby McDonald. and Liz Mary Burdick, Secretary Jerry Cerkanowicz, Jay Vincent,Cerkanowicz, Jerry Secretary Burdick,Jay Butt Shirley Bruce clockwiseupper in meeting left:Pictures starting from husband Correspondingbelow; husband Dennis Secretary Mary Highfill, Treasurer new withand Edwards; Lucretia Ellen Schaefer thebefore Beyaert President Mid Janspeaking group; Dornan; Our IflAUQiy(Heeling ThonluBruce!
13 i i y w w ^ Compiled by Mid Dornan from the Record, 1911
HARMLESS WAY TO DARKEN HAIR Who does not know the value of sage and sulfur for keeping hair dark, soft, glossy and in good condition? As a matter of fact sulphur is a natural element of the hair and a deficiency of it in the hair is held by many scalp specialists to be connected with the loss of color and vitality of the hair. The Wyeth Sage and Sulphur Hair Remedy authorizes druggists to sell it under guarantee.
PUBLIC NOTICE My wife, Mrs. Philip Kitchen, having left my bed and board, I will not be responsible on and after this date, June 25, 1910, for any debt she may cause. Philip Kitchen
JOKE: "Does your husband allow you to have things charged at the store?" "Oh, I think he would, but...." "But the stores wouldn't. Is that what you were going to say?" "Oh no, I was going to say that he gives me plenty of money with which to pay. Does yours?
? Conversation Hearts * ffi These are the tiny Valentine's Day sugar candy hearts that let you confess your ^ love and then lets you eat your words. Last year about 20 companies produced V 10 billion of the little hearts that are typically 3 calories. The slightly larger ^ hearts are fluted. Featured on a 1902 conversation heart was "Please send me a ^ lock of your hair by return mail." This years new sayings include '2000 kisses', 2 'time out', 'e-mail me' and 'be my icon'. Remember your ^ Valentine.
14 By Biblio Tek Westside Branch Library News
We're into the new year and new things hurrahs, high-fives and many, many thanks. are happening at The Point and the Westside Because of space limitations, the branch Branch Library. Lynn Whitson, our librarian, cannot accept older hardbacks, but they will was the speaker at the first meeting of the be gratefully accepted at Main Library. Point Richmond Association of Mothers What to read rainy winter nights? (PRAM). The group, many of whose Thanks to The Best Sellers Club, we have members met at Story Time at the Library on “The Victors” by Stephen Ambrose. It is a Thursday mornings, provides contacts and nonfiction account of Eisenhower and "his support for new mothers. Lynn's talk was boys." We also have The “Greatest “It's Never Too Early," to start reading to Generation” by Tom Brokaw. Anglophile your children. The Library - through the mystery fans will find intrigue in the books of Smithsonian Reading is Fundamental M. C. Beaton - one series is set in Scotland program - provided each mother with a new and another is set near London. Children book to read to her child. and adults alike will enjoy “Harry Potter and The response to The Best Sellers Club The Sorcerer's Stone” by J. K. Rowling. This has been wonderful. Countless best sellers enchanting fantasy which won the British have been donated to the Library, giving us National Book Award, “Children's Book of all a great new selection. After you've read a the Year”, is about an ill-treated orphan who current best seller in hardback or paper, you discovers he is a powerful wizard. Happy can drop it off at the desk in exchange for reading!
15 “Does anyone know where I can get a drink?”
According to information in my files below is a list of retail liquor licenses issued in the yea 1915 by John Harnett, City Council Chairman
W.C. Barry, 53 Washington Avenue G. Gsrobotti, 541 Standard Avenue C.T. Beringer, 41 Wahsington Avenue Walter Bianella, 134 Standard Avenue P.M. Dean, 2 Washington Avenue M.B. Lent, 219 Standard Avenue Mitchel & Geze, 27 Washington Avenue Filip Mazza, 18 Standard Avenue Charles Hoover, 126 Washington Avenue Ed McDuff, 525 Standard Avenue Sundbeck & John, 100 Washington Avenue Harry McNeil, 12 Standard Avenue Thomas Kenny, 11 Washington Avenue G. Pacini, 200 Standard Avenue John Kenny, 49 Washington Avenue Joseph Raspiller, 125 Standard Avenue Kate Riordan Pope, 50 Washington Avenue James Coffey, 19 Cottage Avenue W.D. Thompson, 110 Washington Avenue Ed McDuff, 28 Cottage Avenue Ben Brignone, 100 Standard Avenue Gus Green, 37 Park Place J.A. Ballenct, 30 Standard Avenue H. Sirrenberg, 2 West Richmond Avenue Romolo Bobba, 413 Standard Avenue E.H. Weber, 112 Railroad Avenue Gus Briscon, 144 Standard Avenue G.W. Crippen, 1 West Richmond Avenue
Brickyard Cove with, guess what? A brickyard. Photo Courtesy of Harry McDonald
16 A||an Smith's P°int Richard Malloy, local Point Richmond Rodeo and attended Richmond Schools. I was resident, passed away recently. He came to the pleased to know that Gene, the popular and Point with his family in the early 1940’s residing talented barber working with John Veirs of the in a home on Nichol Avenue. The family was Park Place Barbers in Point Richmond has a very active in Catholic circles, and Our Lady of story regarding “Lefty” Gomez. The father-in- Mercy Church in Point Richmond is proud to law of Gene played baseball with Gomez and claim one of the Molly sons, Reverend John was his catcher at one time. Malloy, as coming from their church. Father John Malloy joined the Salesians and became I am interested in some of the early very influential in that Order. He was, at one buildings in the Point. Behind the old Abbott time, Principal of Salesian High School in San home, which is being remodeled, is an old hay Pablo. Seventeen Salesian priests attended bam which must date prior to 1900. I wonder if Richard Malloy’s funeral at Our Lady of Mercy the new owners will tear it down? It is locate on Church, it was a very inspiring scene. Salesian Cottage Avenue. There are buildings on Santa Priests cam from Australia, Canada, Hawaii and Fe Avenue and Piedmont Place that are the Figi Islands. Father John Malloy gave the interesting to see. Eulogy of his brother, who was buried in St. Joseph Cemetery in San Pablo. Do you remember the produce and grocery wagon that the Moore Family operated in the We are very fortunate to have Harold early thirties? It was a covered truck with side Shawl as a new contributor to this publication. openings for the produce that Mr. Moore would We are all sharing in the beautiful “Random drive all around the Point for the convenience of Memories” that Harold Shawl has of his early his customers. My mother would always look days in Point Richmond, some of which we are forward to and shared in the Moore business. familiar with. Harold wrote about Vernon Perhaps the Santa Fe Market and the Point “Lefty” Gomez, the great pitcher for the New Richmond Market should consider serving their York Yankees who was bom and raised in customers in this way.
New owners are doing a splendid job on the old Abbott house.
17 During our time, the early 1930’s, there Forest. Needless to say, I was overcome with were baseball trading cards that became very emotion and envy after viewing the priceless popular among young baseball fans. The collection of early Pacific Coast League Pacific Coast League, a Triple AAA baseball players that I was familiar with. I organization, had teams from Oakland, San wonder if John has a card of DENNY WILIE Francisco, Hollywood, Los Angeles, Portland, who played for the Oakland Oaks in 1923, a Seattle and Sacramento, and all of their players rare card. The Denny Wilie career was a very were involved in the baseball cards. The cards interesting one which I will continue with in were of better quality than they have now. the next issue of TPIT. Denny was from Texas They showed the players in a playing position and was an outstanding athlete in all sports and on glossy photo cards averaging 3 x 5 inches in was considered the “fastest man in the size. The pictures were inside a candy box that Southwest”. He played three years in the Big you purchased for ten cents. The candies were Leagues with the St. Louis Cardinals and known a ZEE-NUTS, RUF NEKS and HOME Cleveland Indians and later with the Oakland RUN KISSES. Oaks. Steven Lavoie, Oakland Tirbune John DeFabio, a former local outstanding columnist, wrote about Denny Wilie in his Richmond baseball player, has a complete Time Capsule article titled “Love Bums Out ZEE NUT baseball player picture series that he Baseball Players Career”. More about Denny showed to me on one of you Chevron Retirees Wilie later. Tree Planting trips to the El Dorado National
Tommy “Mr. Touchdown” McDonald played for Richmond High School.
18 C a r d s & L e t t e r s
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Dear Gary: spiffy lady, who will be missed by the workers My father, Trefry Ross corresponded at the Richmond Museum of History as well as with “This Point....in time” on a regular basis. the TPIT crew, and now the latest being Trefry He recently passed away and we are requesting Ross; a great contributor to TPIT! you publish his obituary. We know he truly Three days prior to Christmas my enjoyed his life in Point Richmond and TPIT husband fell off a 12 foot ladder while sawing have him much happiness in his last days with protruding limb. The tree toppled in a very us. He was looking for a picture of his freak split shattering just below the ladder top wedding for the upcoming article on the and sent him airborne! The poor dear suffered Methodist Church. Once the photo is located, a broken pelvic bone in 4 places, clavicle, right we will forward it to you for publication. arm and smashed wrist and all his ribs are Please send me information on subscribing to cracked as well as a cracked sacrum. I told the publication. them NOT to give him penicillin because he is Thank you, highly allergic to it. He got it anyway—what Rebecca Cileo knot heads! His arms, neck, chest and torso Anderson, CA broke out in an erythmus rash (resembles scarlet fever) and was itching like crazy. He We will also miss your dad and his was released January 26th for home, provided contributions to this publication. We are no further complications. grateful for the many memories o f and Well, I have to scoot, freak happenings information about Point Richmond that he has in life can be deadly. He is still with us, shared with us. I will see to it that you get a fortunately. What a way to end a year and copy o f this issue. Gary begin a new century! Sincerely, Betty Glass Marshall Grants Pass, OR
Thanks Betty, it is always good to hear from you. We all wish for a rapid recovery Dear Gary: for your husband, and take care o f yourself My heart is saddened by the multiple too! Gary deaths of our friends in 1999. Louella Wilcox; my dear schoolmate, Bernard Christiansen; Naomi Huffstetter; long time acquaintance of my parents, Mary Rudolph: louella’s sister, such a dear sweet
19 Dear Editor: Dear Pam: It is with sadness that I learn of the death I would like to be a member of the 90 of a dear friend, Trefrey Abbott Ross. Bom and club. I am now 92 born in 1907 on Washington raised in the Point, Tref received his middle Avenue. Dr. Lucas was my doctor for many name from the Doctor that delivered him. He years. married his high school sweetheart, Nellie I remember Ruth Wood. My childhood in Huffstetter. Tref and Nellie were two of the Point Richmond was some of the happiest days first persons I met when I came to the Point as of my life. he was a good friend of Bob’s. With love, His great-grandparents came to Sonoma Thelma Harvey County from Missouri in 1850. Trefs Orinda, CA grandparents, Charles and Avonia Adams, were Richmond pioneers who came to the Point around 1898 where his Grandfather Charles Edward Adams was an engineer for the Santa Fe Railroad. They were pillars of the historic Methodist Church and lived across the street at 222 Martina Street. Trefs mother, Uldine, lived there after the death of her parents. Many of Trefs peers still live in the Point. His memories of the Point to TPIT will be missed. Sincerely Mid Doman Point Richmond
20 Kathryn I. Pinkerton a homemaker died January 2, 2000 in Richmond. She was 90. San Francisco native lived in Point Richmond for 70 years. Her hobby was collecting. She is survived by daughter, Velma Healy, four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Her husband, David, preceded her in death in 1996 and her son Clayton died in 1994. Services were by the Neptune Society.
Trefry A. Ross died peacefully in his sleep at home in Tucson, Arizona on December 29, 1999. Bom in Point Richmond, California on January 5, 1922, he was 77 years old. Most recently Trefry enjoyed reminiscing about the good ole days and corresponding with friends and family. He thoroughly enjoyed sharing information about life in Point Richmond with “This Point....in time”. He was a member of the 461st Bomb Group and Clan Ross Association. He is survived by his brother, Ted Ross of Hilo, HI: sister, Dorje Ross of El Sobrante, CA; daughter Corene Ross of Tucson, AZ; son, Scott Ross of Vallejo, CA; daughter, Rebecca Cileo of Anderson, CA; son Jared Ross of Tucson, AZ; six grandchildren and one great grandson. Trefry’s wife of 53 years, Nellie Naomi Huffstetter, preceded him in death in 1996. They will be reunited at Arlington National Cemetery, VA. As a former WWII Prisoner of War and Purple Heart recipient, he will receive full military honors. Gifts of remembrance can be made to Trefry’s favorite charity at Pio Decimo Center, 848 South Seventh Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85701.
Richard George Malloy, a forklift operatorat Felice & Perelli Cannery in Richmond for 20 years, died in Richmond. He was 63. The native of San Pablo lived in Richmond for 63 years. He was a member of Teamster Cannery Workers Union Local 866 and Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Point Richmond. He is survived by sisters, Catherine White of Vacaville, Louise Bergesen of American Canyon, Margaret Smallen of Lafayette and Mary Mackenzie of Yountville; brothers Joe Malloy of Berkeley and John Malloy of Canada.
Ina E. Briggs on January 24, 2000 in Vallejo. Ina served as Principal of Washington School in the 70s. She was 85 years old.
Albert Anthony Raffanelli on January 16, 2000 at his home in El Cerrito. A native of Point Richmond, he was 76 years old. A1 was the former owner of Norwalk Gas Station and Al's Pro Shop. He was a WWII veteran in U.S. Air Force and a member of the Galileo Club. He is survived by sons Tony Raffanelli and Thomas Vicencio; his sister Helen Frosini, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Memorial services were held at Wilson and Kratzer.
21 M ark M. G ebhart (91) Cliris Rotting Rowene MacMillan Ed Garrard Mitzi Kruse Dody Perry Sarah Wilson Bessie Squires Ethel MacMillan Hortense Gnaga McGee Walter MacMillan Kim W ard Mary Shur Bamaby Edwards Dagmar Francis Sleven Mertle Connie Healy Phillip Dorn III Dixie Copeland Helen Valentine BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA Frank Pearson Marcos Rotting Pearle Westman Allan Smith Arlene Hartman Velma Healy D oug Busby Landow Howe Carrie Wickman Dorn SJS4cLvcfi 'IZii
Karolyn Macdiarmid Rich Schuldt Alexandra Gautraud Dale Hawkins Allan Smith, Jr Maxine Mayer Virginia Cherniak Phyllis Feyder Susan Berman Carol Paasch Janice Jones Mary Valenzano JoAnn Bray Jean Knox Rachel Elizabeth Palfini Wendy Wirth Marie Wilson-Dietz Myron Pestana Carol Darling Avis Blanchette Elizabeth Buhler Jim Morrison Delphina Franco Edwin Loux GIRL SCOUTS CAMP FIRE GIRLS Lucile Cottingham Meyer Dolly Frosini Winnie Guist George LeRoy Willims Carl Paasch Brian Richardson Isobel Folson Reba Downs Ben Bray
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GOLDEN STATE MODEL RAILROAD MUSEUM AND EAST BAY MODEL ENGINEERS SOCIETY
900 Doman Drive across from Miller/Knox Regional Park. Has business meetings on Fridays from 7 to 10 pm. Visitors interested in joining are welcome to the business meetings, call 510-234-4884 for time and dates of special shows.
MASQUERS PLAYHOUSE
January 21 - February 26 “Tribute"; $10.00, Friday—Saturday, 8 PM , with some Sunday matinees at 2:30. Reservations: 510-232-4031.
March 31—May 6 “The Haunting of Hill House”, a thriller; $10.00, Friday—Saturday, 8 PM with some Sunday matinees at 2:30. Reservations; 510-232-4031.
POINT RICHMOND ASSOCIATON OF MOTHERS (PRAM)
Mondays, at 7 PM; February 7, March 13, April 10, May 8 and June 12; Methodist Church, 201 Martina Street. Info: 510-273-9959
POINT RICHMOND BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
Meets 2nd Wednesday each month. Hotel Mac Banquet Room, 12-1:30, Lunch Reservations $11, Contact: Paula Aasmus, O.D. 510-235-5228.
Annual Valentine Making Contest, Community Center, 12—4 PM, February 12. Artist Judges, with categories from pre-school to out-of-school
Annual Easter Egg Coloring and Basket Making Contest, Community Center, 12—4 PM, April 22. Artist Judges, with categories from pre-school to out-of-school.
23 POINT RICHMOND COMMUNITY CENTER/FIELD HOUSE & PLUNGE
Info: 510-233-6881
POINT RICHMOND HISTORY ASSOCIATION
The deadline for the February/March issue of TPIT is Friday March 24, 2000.
The next general meeting will next summer. This will be our election meeting with a theme, details will be in the next issue.
POINT RICHMOND NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL Meets last Wednesday each month, Pt Richmond Community Center; 7 PM, Contact: Rod Satre, President, 510-232 5059.
WASHINGTON SCHOOL
Contact: Linda Hutcherson, Principal or Miss Jones, Secretary 232-1436.
Reading week at Washington school. Vou are invited to read a story to the children. Pich your story and age group. February 28—March 2 ,2 0 0 0 .
WOMEN’S WESTSIDE IMPROVEMENT CLUB Contact: Amelia Drabe, President at 284-8131
For comments, corrections or additions to the TPIT Calendar o f Events contact: David Vincent 125 West Richmond Point Richmond, CA 94801 510-235-4850
24 Articles for each issue are due on or before the I would like to join the P.R.H.A. deadline printed in the calendar section. Please mail articles and items of interest to: N am e: ------Gary Shows 229 Golden Gate Avenue Address: ______Point Richmond, CA 94801 or P h o n e :______fax 510-233-0762 Type of membership (check one): or email: [email protected]
Single $ 1 8 .0 0 “This Point...in time” is a publication of Senior (65+) 1 2 .0 0 the Point Richmond History Association, a non — Fam ily 2 5 .0 0 profit organization at: History Preserver 5 0 .0 0 139 1/4 Washington Avenue — Corporate Sponsor 7 5 .0 0 Point Richmond, CA 94801 History Maker 1 0 0 .0 0 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any article or image without written permission of the Membership in the Point Richmond History Point Richmond History Association is prohibited. Association includes a one year subscription to “THIS POINT...in time” newsletter (six issues). Please make Board of Directors: your check payable to the Point Richmond History Mid Dornan, President Association and mail it to: Elizabeth McDonald, Vice President Pam Wilson Jerry Cerkanowicz, Secretary 521 Western Drive Ellen Schaefer, Treasurer Mary Highfill, Corresponding Secretary Point Richmond, CA 94801 Pam Wilson, Membership If you would like to have birthdays noted in the Anne Hanzlik, Programs newsletter, please include names and months. Gary Shows, Newsletter Editor Sonja Darling, Fund Raising Betty Dornan, Museum Allan Smith, Archives
Contributors to this Issue: Gary Shows Editor Mid Doman Various Articles Phone Numbers Don Church/Allan Smith Historic Photos Mid Dornan 510-234-5334 lerry Cerkanowicz Proof/Article Gary Shows 510-235-1336 5am Wilson Membership Info Fax 510-233-0762 Mian Smith Articles/photos Allan Smith ean Reynolds Article 510-234-5149 Dee Rosier Article Visit us at our website David Vincent Calendar/Photo http://www.alkos.com/prha tebecca Cileo Obituary truce Beyaert Information Richmond Museum of History 510-235-7387 Red Oak Victory Information 510-235-7387
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